It's good to see a profitable company moving forward. Although it's funny, I did not see anyone mention that Intel is basically forced to build advanced FABs in the U.S. because they are restricted due to US export control regulations. Just a few years ago (less than 3yrs ago), no technology smaller than 65nm could be sent outside the US by a US company. Companies based in other countries of course could develop the technology on their own (i.e. Samsung, TSMC, etc.). In some sense, the US govt is at least trying to force the retention of high tech workers within the US.

@Mark is this the fab where 2 rivals (nikon & asml) will support tools for factory or its the one at israel? do you have any information on that? also did us goverment gave some incentive to have factory at Az.?

I have read this news in connection with the announcement of Paul Otellini's plan to add more jobs and spend money. The extra news is that the fab will be for the 14nm node, which will come around 2020 according to ITRS roadmap. We are in 2011, so will the job addition take place in this span of 10 years?

@RobDinsmore, i think you have quite a bad prejudice about Indian that they go after bad jobs [read foreign]. There are enough good opportunities for Indians in India and more are coming, yes my friend. Any do not blame Indians for your laziness, incompetents and "all support and nothing interesting" attitude towards work. No job are bad, only bad (whiners) workers and employees.

Phoenixdave:
Your statement about Intel laying off process engineers at their fab ( Ocotillo ? ) in favor of PhDs imported from India sounds "phoney". To the best of my knowledge there are no semiconductor mfg industry ( beyond 1 um ! ) or related academic programs in India. But Taiwan or So. Korea - for sure.
Or are you perhaps confusing between Software ( for which India is a major supplier of cheap manpower ) and Solid State Physics and engaging in ad hominem attacks ?

What really happens is it is decided the California fab like D2 is not worth upgrading to 300mm due to cost, and a cheaper location is sought like Oregon, Arizona, etc. The workers in the closing factory are given some time to look for jobs internally but only the new fab can accommodate so many at once. If they cannot relocate, they can be given a package.

As far as technology goes, I am not surprised that Intel is leading the way in the advanced technology development. This has been heir history for quite some time. They are becoming a rarity in the industry, with many other companies pushing toward a fabless operational strategy. The impending opening of Globalfoundries and the existing foundries will continue this trend. Intel seems to have the deep pockets and internal talent to be successful with their strategy, so however they accomplish this internally, they have to be applauded for their success to date.

In conjunction with unveiling of EE Times’ Silicon 60 list, journalist & Silicon 60 researcher Peter Clarke hosts a conversation on startups in the electronics industry. One of Silicon Valley's great contributions to the world has been the demonstration of how the application of entrepreneurship and venture capital to electronics and semiconductor hardware can create wealth with developments in semiconductors, displays, design automation, MEMS and across the breadth of hardware developments. But in recent years concerns have been raised that traditional venture capital has turned its back on hardware-related startups in favor of software and Internet applications and services. Panelists from incubators join Peter Clarke in debate.